ST KILDA defender Brandon White kicked a goal in his debut against the Brisbane Lions but his teammates were celebrating before White knew whether the ball would go through the posts.
Drafted at No.40 last year, White has impressed in the VFL with his form off half-back, and that form translated to the senior level.
White finished with 13 disposals in an accomplished first-up display. His kicking skills were on show, although not so much when he had a chance in front of the big sticks.
"(The goal) was pretty exciting. It didn't come off very well but it floated through," White told AFL.com.au.
"I had to watch it a little bit – everyone was celebrating but I didn't know whether it would go through or not."
His coach Alan Richardson was impressed with the 19-year-old's performance.
"He defended strongly. He's an aggressive kid, he likes body contact and he's got really good speed," Richardson said after the 58-point win on Sunday night.
"He's a very good user of the footy – a left-footer, so that also helps. He's got a lot of work to do, but I thought it was a really exciting debut."
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White's development will largely require him improving his physical abilities, and he nominated his running as a key area to work on.
Helping him will be Leigh Montagna, who White said has been among his key mentors.
"'Joey' is helping me a fair bit down back. Sean Dempster, all the backline boys, and even Mav Weller is really good with the young players," he said.
Dempster was impressed with how White has approached his first season at the Saints.
"He's pretty quiet, but I don't mind that for a young kid coming in, to find his feet and understand what it takes to become a footballer," Dempster told AFL.com.au.
"It takes people different amounts of time. He always likes to ask questions. He's always willing to accept feedback."
